“As a general rule, still photo shoots require that your pet be able to sit, lie down and stay on command,” says Andrea Arden, an owner at animal agency DAG. “Additional skills, such as being able to sit up on their hind legs or wave, makes your pet more marketable.”

When you’re ready to put your pet to work and start earning (non-star dogs can earn anywhere between $50 and $400 per job, says Arden), check out these pointers:

* Have head shots ready: Professional portraits are good, but even shots from your iPhone can secure an appointment with an agent.

* Know the market: Dark dogs don’t work as much because they are harder to photograph; cute mixed breed terriers are now in vogue and all-American dogs like Labs and spaniels never go out of fashion. Fluffy white dogs are good because they are versatile and can be dyed to look like other breeds.